National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI) reported earnings on April 26. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), National Instruments met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded and GAAP earnings per share dropped significantly.

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
 National Instruments tallied revenue of $261.1 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see revenue of $261.1 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 9.8% higher than the prior-year quarter's $237.9 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 EPS came in at $0.16. The four earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.16 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.15 for Q1 were 40% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.25 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
 For the quarter, gross margin was 76.5%, 140 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 9.3%, 610 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 7.1%, 570 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $277.0 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.24.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.14 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.02.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 386 members out of 406 rating the stock outperform, and 20 members rating it underperform. Among 172 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 169 give National Instruments a green thumbs-up, and three give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on National Instruments is outperform, with an average price target of $31.00.

Can your retirement portfolio provide you with enough income to last? You'll need more than National Instruments. Learn about crafting a smarter retirement plan in "The Shocking Can't-Miss Truth About Your Retirement." Click here for instant access to this free report.